July 2026 Edition
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July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1721
Consider the following statements about the security situation in southern Lebanon as of 2026: 1. The Lebanese military has begun intensifying patrols in villages adjacent to areas occupied by Israeli forces. 2. Hezbollah has fully endorsed the trilateral framework and agreed to immediate disarmament. 3. The pilot zones are intended to trial the security approach before extending it to other regions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the military has increased patrols in areas like Froun. Statement 3 is correct as the pilot zones serve as a trial for a broader rollout. Statement 2 is incorrect because Hezbollah has explicitly rejected the framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017160/lebanese-army-begins-takeover-of-pilot-zones, 21 Jul 2026]
#1722
What specific directive did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issue regarding petroleum products during the meeting on July 16, 2026?
(a) To increase the import of crude oil from regional partners
(b) To privatize the state-owned petroleum distribution network
(c) To take strict action against those creating artificial shortages
(d) To implement a total ban on private vehicle fuel consumption
Explanation: The Prime Minister directed provincial governments to take strict action against entities involved in creating artificial shortages of petroleum products to ensure supply stability. The other options were not part of the stated directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#1723
According to the 2026 security framework, how deep is the 'security zone' that Israeli officials have vowed to maintain along the frontier?
(a) 5 kilometres
(b) 15 kilometres
(c) 10 kilometres
(d) 20 kilometres
Explanation: Israeli officials have stated that their forces will remain in a security zone 10 kilometres deep along the frontier until the disarmament of Hezbollah is achieved. This remains a point of contention in the ongoing negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017160/lebanese-army-begins-takeover-of-pilot-zones, 21 Jul 2026]
#1724
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1725
Which specific bilateral mechanism did the leaders agree to convene in Ankara later in 2026?
(a) Joint Economic Commission
(b) High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
(c) Defense and Security Dialogue
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the eighth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is scheduled to take place in Ankara to further strengthen the strategic partnership. The other options are generic titles that do not represent the specific formal council mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992556/pm-erdogan-emphasise-importance-of-utilising-window-of-opportunity-for-lasting-regional-peace, 17 Apr 2026]
#1726
Consider the following statements about the WAPDA union protests on 2026-07-27: 1. The protests were limited to the city of Lahore. 2. Union leaders warned that privatization would negatively affect the national economy. 3. The union demanded that families of employees who died in the line of duty receive benefits similar to security force martyrs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is false because the protest occurred in Peshawar, not Lahore. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the union's stated position and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431892/wapda-union-rejects-privatisation-of-discos, 27 Jul 2026]
#1727
Consider the following statements regarding the IMF's assessment of Pakistan's economy in May 2026: 1. The IMF flagged the Middle East war as a source of heightened geopolitical risk. 2. Pakistan met structural benchmarks related to tax policy and energy pricing. 3. The IMF recommended an immediate expansionary fiscal policy to stimulate growth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the IMF's stated concerns and the conditions met by Pakistan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IMF explicitly recommended gradual fiscal consolidation, not expansionary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#1728
On July 16, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review the economic impact of tensions between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting focused on the economic repercussions of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Other regional conflicts, while significant, were not the primary subject of this specific policy review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#1729
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mission in Pakistan: 1. The Iranian delegation requested the security escort due to fears of a potential Israeli strike. 2. The peace talks resulted in a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran. 3. Pakistan utilized its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to ensure the safety of the departing delegation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 3 are correct as they reflect the security concerns and the technical assets used. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as inconclusive and the delegations left empty-handed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#1730
What was the approximate market value of CXMT Corp in US dollars following its debut on July 27, 2026?
(a) $243.26 billion
(b) $443.26 billion
(c) $343.26 billion
(d) $543.26 billion
Explanation: The market value of CXMT Corp reached over 3 trillion yuan, which is equivalent to approximately $443.26 billion. The other options represent incorrect valuations for this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#1731
In the context of the July 16, 2026, meeting, which sector did the Prime Minister specifically mention as being protected by government subsidies?
(a) Large-scale manufacturing
(b) Fuel and energy consumers
(c) Information technology exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister highlighted that government subsidies were utilized to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases on ordinary citizens, including transport operators and motorcycle riders. This falls under the broader category of fuel and energy consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#1732
Consider the following statements regarding the meeting held on July 16, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan's economy is currently stable. 2. The meeting was informed that sufficient petroleum reserves are available. 3. The government announced a complete cessation of fuel subsidies to ensure fiscal austerity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the meeting's outcomes. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized the use of subsidies to protect citizens, rather than announcing their cessation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#1733
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is INCORRECT?
(a) The ceasefire was initially set for a duration of 10 days.
(b) The agreement was announced by US President Donald Trump.
(c) The ceasefire prohibits the Lebanese government from engaging in any future diplomatic negotiations with Israel.
(d) The ceasefire took effect on April 16, 2026.
Explanation: The ceasefire is explicitly described as a 'natural entry point' for direct negotiations, not a prohibition against them. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#1734
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the high-level security consultations in Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Effective border management
(b) Regional and bilateral security
(c) Nuclear energy cooperation
(d) De-escalation of regional tensions
Explanation: The official reports confirm discussions on border management, regional security, and de-escalation efforts. Nuclear energy cooperation was not mentioned as part of the security consultations between the two interior ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#1735
Which of the following statements regarding the May 13, 2026, operation in Barkhan is INCORRECT?
(a) The operation was conducted in the Nosham area.
(b) A major-ranked officer was among those martyred.
(c) The operation was carried out solely by the local police force.
(d) Seven terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The operation was a joint effort by the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps, not the local police. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#1736
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on July 19, 2026, for a visit lasting how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Two days
(c) Four days
(d) Five days
Explanation: The Finance Minister arrived on July 19, 2026, for a scheduled three-day diplomatic visit to engage with US officials on trade and investment. This duration is explicitly stated in the official reporting of his itinerary. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1737
According to the Prime Minister's address on March 27, 2026, what is the total financial burden the federal government has borne over a three-week period to subsidize fuel prices?
(a) Rs 56 billion
(b) Rs 100 billion
(c) Rs 150 billion
(d) Rs 125 billion
Explanation: The government reported a cumulative fiscal burden of Rs 125 billion over three weeks to maintain current fuel prices. Rs 56 billion refers specifically to the burden borne during the week of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#1738
Which of the following individuals did NOT attend the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on July 16, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three individuals listed (Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Bilal Azhar Kayani) were explicitly mentioned as attendees of the meeting. Therefore, 'None of these' is the correct answer as there is no false option provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#1739
According to the 2026 ceasefire terms, which entity is recognized as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon's sovereignty and national defense?
(a) Hezbollah
(b) United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
(c) Lebanese security forces
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US State Department statement explicitly identifies the Lebanese security forces as the sole body responsible for national defense and sovereignty. This clause is intended to prevent non-state actors like Hezbollah from conducting independent military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#1740
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]